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Boston Bombing – A Fortuitous Event?
On the anniversary of the Boston Bombing, April 15, 2013 in which three innocent victims were killed and nearly 300 others were injured, many are asking whether this was a fortuitous event, or calculated killings by terrorists using weapons of mass destruction. Even more compelling is the surfacing of information that one of the bombers … Read More
Health Care – Should Your Doctor Decide?
In years past, a doctor had the authority and power to decide what treatment and/or modality was appropriate. Each health care provider chose the remedy, relief &/or intervention based upon the following: (1) a specific diagnosis; (2) a tentative diagnosis [provisional]; &/or (3) a differential diagnosis [generally, that which relates to multiple conditions or causes … Read More
Do Older Drivers Have More Accidents?
According to a recent study of the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, drivers 70 years or older, who make up about 10% of the population, are less likely to be involved in auto accidents and less likely to be seriously injured or killed. It is anticipated that by 2050, the number of people in this … Read More
Law Enforcement Can Search a Shared Residence Even When a Co-Tenant Objects
In the recent case of FERNANDEZ v. CALIFORNIA, 12-7822 (February 25, 2014) the U.S. Supreme Court held the Fourth Amendment to the U.S. Constitution was not violated and, therefore, law enforcement can make a warrantless search of a shared residence when a co-tenant provides consent even though the other co-tenant shortly before refused to allow … Read More
Update on the Right to Carry a Concealed Weapon
In the recent case of Edward Peruta vs. County of San Diego, 10-56971, (February, 2014), the U.S. 9th Circuit Court of Appeals held a private citizen may carry a firearm in public for self-defense pursuant to the Second Amendment of the U.S. Constitution. As a general rule, one previously could not carry a concealed … Read More
Senate Committee Approves Eliminating and Reducing Certain Criminal Sentences
On January 30, 2014, the Senate Judiciary Committee approved a bill that would abolish mandatory minimum sentences for drug offenders who do not have a prior criminal history, as well as reducing by 50% mandatory minimum sentences for specified nonviolent drug offenses. The proposed law among other things eliminates mandatory minimum sentences if there is … Read More
Handshake or Fist Bumping – Which Do You Prefer and Why?
Most of us will agree a handshake is the best way to express a connection with another person. It is a way to send a message; whether in addition to a verbal “hi” or “hello” it is most often deemed a sign of thoughtfulness &/or affection. Although many individuals may not like to be touched, … Read More
What are the Rights of Transgender Students in California?
Effective January 1, 2014, transgender students in kindergarten through the 12th grade must be accommodated. The new law prohibits public schools from discriminating on the basis of gender, gender identity and/or gender expression. This means public school students must be allowed to play on sports teams, participate in extracurricular activities and choose which bathrooms and … Read More
Former BP Engineer Convicted of Obstructing Justice
In New Orleans today, there was a jury verdict after the U.S. Department of Justice charged Kurt Mix, a former BP engineer, of deleting hundreds of text messages from his iPhone, thereby thwarting the investigation of the 2010 BP oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico. Although none of the top executives of BP have … Read More
Los Angeles County Deputy Sheriffs Charged with Corruption and Civil Rights Violations
Charges were filed yesterday that involve approximately 17 current and 2 former deputies who have been accused of beating inmates and visitors, falsifying reports, as well as obstructing justice, conspiracy and corruption. The criminal complaint and grand jury indictments contain, among other charges against the deputies, allegations that records were falsified, visitors to and inmates … Read More